Part 1- Security
Bringing a stroller to Walt Disney World is a lifesaver when you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, or even little kids. But the first hurdle of the day—security—can feel stressful if you don’t know what to expect. With a little preparation, you can get through security smoothly and start your magical day without frustration.
When you first approach security you will see signs for specific lanes dedicated to strollers, head that way!
You’ll need to empty your belongings from the bottom of the stroller as well as any bags that you may have hanging. We recommend bringing a large tote bag (such as this one) to hold all of your belongings and walk it through security yourself as the stroller gets checked by a cast member.
PRO TIP: Keep fans, cameras, umbrellas, power banks and other metal items easily visible in the stroller to avoid getting stopped with them in your backpack!
If your little one can walk, they will need to come out of the stroller and walk through the metal detectors with you. If not, they can stay in the stroller! YAY!
A smooth security experience sets the tone for your whole day. With a little prep, you’ll be rolling down Main Street U.S.A. with coffee in one hand and a happy kid in the other in no time.
Part 2- Transportation
Buses
All types of strollers will need to get folded when getting on buses, including singles, tandem doubles, and side by side doubles. FYI- Disney does not allow wagons!! Its a good idea to have that same tote bag discussed earlier so you can load up your stuff and fold your stroller prior to boarding
Skyliner
Single and tandem style double strollers can be rolled right onto the Skyliner! If you have a side by side double, you will be asked to fold the stroller.
Monorail
All types of strollers can be pushed right onto the monorail- single, double tandem, or double side by side. YAY!
Boats
The need to fold your stroller often depends on space!
The water taxis/resort launches almost always require you to fold your stroller. The Ferryboat and the Friendship boats usually allow strollers to stay open (single and front to back doubles), though you should always be prepared to fold the stroller in the event that space is limited!
Part 3&4- Stroller Setup
Keeping things organized and easy to find will make things much more convenient! Our biggest tip is to try to keep as much out of the bottom of the stroller as possible!!
- Rain gear– we love to use one of our empty packing cubes to hold our ponchos and rain cover for the stroller. Florida is unpredictable and we ALWAYS recommend rain gear, no matter the season!!
- Stroller caddy– place across the handle bars for an extra spot for drinks, snacks, pins, etc. Helps keep things out of the bottom of your stroller… which we know can often become a black hole!
- Cooler with a handle– We use a baby bottle cooler. It’s the perfect size, can be clipped onto the handlebar, and holds all the snack essentials for little ones- juice boxes, yogurt tubes, cheese sticks, cuties, etc. Easy access for when the kids are hangry or in need of a little distraction!
- Carabiners– Big and small! Helpful for holding the cooler full of snacks, shopping bags, refillable resort mug, popcorn bucket, etc
- Stroller Identifier– Get something to help your stroller stand out! You want to be able to quickly and easily identify your stroller from afar. A stroller flag, balloon, lights are all good options!
- Stroller fan– Bring two! One to hook on the bar for the little ones down below and one on the handle bar for the adults! Something to help keep everyone somewhat cool in the warm Florida sun!
- Large reusable bag/tote– A definite need! Anytime you go through security you will need to empty out the bottom of your stroller. You most likely wont have the hands to hold everything, so having a large bag to throw stuff into will make life easier
- Backpack– typically used as my diaper bag.
- Crossbody bag– Holds my smaller items to help me stay organized. Phone, wallet, keys, camera, valuables. I take this bag with when we go onto rides
Part 5- Rules and Rentals
Stroller Sizing
- If you want to bring your own stroller into the park it must be no larger than 31″ W x 52″ L. This can be a single, double, tandem, etc. Remember- NO WAGONS ALLOWED (unless for medical reasons in which you will need to contact Disney services for further information)
Disney Rentals
- Rental stations are located at the front of each park. Both singles and doubles available
- Pricing- $15/ day for a single and $31/day for a double
- PRO TIP! If you rent for the duration of your trip rather one day at a time, you will get a small discount!
- These may be convenient, but they appear to be hard to maneuver, have little shade, and minimal storage!
- The biggest downside- the strollers cannot leave the park they were rented from. Meaning, if you are park hopping, you must return/rent each time you leave and enter a new park! ** You will not have to pay twice! Simply show your receipt when you enter the new park.
Third Party Rentals
Typically, these third party rentals offer better quality strollers with the perk of convenience! Most companies provide free drop off/pickup at your hotel/Airbnb/ airport and you can use these strollers for the duration of your trip. Luckily, these strollers can also be used outside of the parks (hotels, disney springs,etc) and can be used for park hopping- unlike rentals directly from Disney. If needed, they usually offer add ons, such as snack trays/drink holders as well! Here are some of the popular third party companies:
- Kingdom strollers
- Scooter Bug
- Magic Strollers
- Orlando Stroller Rentals
Part 6- Keeping track of your stroller
There are thousands of strollers in the Disney parks everyday. You will need something to help differentiate your stroller and make it easy to pick out of a crowd. The key is to have something that sits up above the crowd! Some options include:
- Balloons
- String Lights (Battery operated; best for nighttime)
- Airtags
- Name plates attached to handlebars (very cute! BUT… not as functional for finding your stroller as it does not sit up high enough to be seen from a distance)
- Stroller Flag- our favorite way to make our stroller stand out! See how I created ours here!
Leave a Reply